Born in Ireland, McDonald moved with his parents to Canada when he was two, growing up in Hamilton, Ontario.[1] The nickname "Whitey" was given to him in reference to the colour of his hair, which was a light reddish-blonde. He began his professional career with Hamilton Thistle, playing in Spectator Cup in 1921 and 1922. He also spent time with Toronto Ulster United before signing with Bethlehem Steel of the American Soccer League in 1924.[2] He played four seasons with Bethlehem.
In 1928, Scottish club Rangers toured the U.S. and spotted McDonald in its game with Bethlehem. They signed him in 1928 and he spent ten seasons with the Glasgow club,[3] making over 200 appearances in the Scottish Football League (finishing as champions six times) and the Scottish Cup (which he won twice, in 1934 and 1935). While a wing back in Canada and the U.S., he played left full-back for Rangers.
International career
McDonald earned two caps with the Ireland national team.[4] His first was against Scotland in 1930 and the second against England in 1932. In June 1935, he returned to North America with a touring Scottish squad, official eligibility rules not applying;[5] he had also been back in Canada five years earlier with Rangers, captaining the tourists against former club Hamilton Thistle who were led by his brother 'Red'.[6][7]
^Jose, Colin (2001). On-Side - 125 Years of Soccer in Ontario. Vaughan, Ontario: Ontario Soccer Association and Soccer Hall of Fame and Museum. p. 217.
